LIGHT, GATE, SHEPHERD

Greetings on this the Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Easter
Readings: Acts 12:24—13:5a; PS 67:2-3, 5, 6 and 8; Jn 12:44-50

Notes

The continuous readings of Easter have the gospel words of Jesus describing to us his person, his mission and his passion for our return.

1. I am the Shepherd.
2. I am the Gate.
3. I came as Light.

A wonderful explanation of the importance of the LIGHT description here and quoting: https://www.jewishroots.net/library/holiday-articles/illumination-of-the-temple-ceremony.html

During the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) there was a great ceremony called the "Illumination of the Temple," which involved the ritual lighting of four golden oil-fed lamps in the Court of Women. These lamps were huge menorahs/candelabras (seventy-five feet high) lighted in the Temple at night to remind the people of the pillar of fire that had guided Israel in their wilderness journey. All night long the light shone their brilliance, it is said, illuminating the entire city.

The Feast of Saint Mark, Evangelist, is tomorrow. Today our first reading introducing him as John-Mark. He is the author of the Gospel of Mark, the first gospel.
A bible study on the gospel of Mark: https://deacongerrypalermo.blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/the-gospel-of-mark-a-study-v3.pdf

Summary

Jesus cried out and said, “Whoever believes in me believes not only in me but also in the one who sent me, and whoever sees me sees the one who sent me. I came into the world as light, so that everyone who believes in me might not remain in darkness.

Each of us are on our own Exodus journey. Being called out of slavery toward a desert passage and into the promised land. The Lord uses his mighty arm to free us, light to guide us, and sacred bread to feed us. At first glance the desert may not seem a perfect place to be. But upon further inspection the desert is filled with wonder and Joy. What the desert is lacking is sin, evil, unhealthy attachments and malformation of humanity.

Reflection

Is it any wonder the Jewish people revere Moses and Elijah? Not because they have personal power to save them but because Moses and Elijah surrendered themselves to the divine will so that the divine power can reach all of us. Moses had his doubts and insecurities. Elijah had his doubts and insecurities. Imperfect vessels for the perfect will of G-d.

Personal Reflection

Jesus is the Shepherd who protects us, the Gate who keeps open the way to the Father and the Light that brings intelligibility and pathway to divine love. Each of these brings comfort and reassurance that we matter to the Lord. I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father (Jn 15:15).

The great theophany of G-d is Jesus who calls us friend. Maybe that is the ultimate canon?

Take-aways

• Do I treat you as friend?
• Do you treat others as friends?

First Reading

The word of God continued to spread and grow. After Barnabas and Saul completed their relief mission, they returned to Jerusalem, taking with them John, who is called Mark.

Responsorial

O God, let all the nations praise you!

Gospel Acclamation

I am the light of the world, says the Lord; whoever follows me will have the light of life.

Gospel

Jesus cried out and said:

I came into the world as light, so that everyone who believes in me might not remain in darkness.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry